Mr Muhamat has been permitted to leave the island since being granted a Swiss visa, but hopes to return to Manus to continue his advocacy work.

Jury member Phillip Lynch, head of the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) organisation, said the decision to honour Mr Muhamat was "significant" and he hoped it would put pressure on Australia to halt the practice of offshore detention.

On Twitter, Mr Muhamat dedicated his award to the asylum seekers and refugees still on Manus.

The award is not for me, personally. I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of my brothers and sisters across the world who have been part of my journey. I accept this award on behalf of all those asylum seekers and refugees who have been wrongly been kept on Manus & Nauru. pic.twitter.com/0xasYtNkiM